by Sandra Piddock

Created on: May 01, 2009   Last Updated: February 15, 2010

The best way to prevent any infection, including Swine Flu, is to be scrupulous about hygeine standards. Wash hands thoroughly and regularly, and dry with paper towels. If you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue to prevent the spread of infection. Experts are confident the virus spreads through coughing and sneezing.

As an extra precaution, collect used paper towels and tissues in a separate container and fasten securely before disposal. Even better, burn them. Drop your used tissues and  paper towels into a large bag or box, which you can then empty without having to touch the soiled items.

If you use ordinary towels after hand washing, have a different colour for each family member. Insist that they keep to their own towel, to minimise the spread of germs. Keep a carton antibacterial hand gel near each sink in the house, and insist it's used after hand washing. Collect dirty towels together and wash separately from other items. Do the same with face flannels.

Kissing as a greeting, even when meeting strangers, seems to be very popular these days, but it's probably best avoided at the moment. I live in Spain, where the custom is to greet people with a kiss on each cheek - 'Dos Besos.' That's possibly safer than mouth-on-mouth kissing, but it's probably safest not to be too touchy feely with strangers, unless you're certain there is no possible risk of infection.

Wearing face masks like the images we see on the news is probably a step too far. However, if you are on your way to the medical centre with suspected Swine Flu, ask the staff if it is necessary for you to cover your nose and mouth for the visit. If the answer is yes and you don't have face masks in the house - most people don't - ask someone to shop for you. Minimising contact with others is the best way to arrest the spread of infection.

The Swine Flu outbreak is Manna from heaven for the media, who love nothing better than the opportunity to turn a drama into a crisis. Thankfully, most of us will remain unaffected by Swine Flu, and the current scare will pass, as the Bird Flu scare did. Take sensible measures to avoid the risk of infection, but don't be hyped into walking around like Michael Jackson clone, complete with gloves, face masks, etc. In the words of Corporal Jones of 'Dad's Army' fame - 'Don't Panic!'

Learn more about this author, Sandra Piddock.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.